Position Description:

Mathematica seeks research analysts to join our team in Human Services. The Human Services unit covers a range of domestic policy areas including education, programs to support families with low incomes, child nutrition employment, food assistance, pregnancy prevention, child welfare, early childhood, and justice.

Research analysts contribute to quantitative or qualitative research and analysis that examines effectiveness and implementation of policies and programs; assess the strength of study designs and summarize existing research through systematic reviews and meta-analyses; review grantee evaluation plans; work with programs on the design and implementation of evaluations; and support dissemination of findings to the public through accessible reports, websites, videos, and other tools.

Our current and recent work include a range of projects such as:

• Working collaboratively with human services agencies (such as SNAP and TANF) to iteratively test implementation strategies and gather information on their success, using techniques such as rapid cycle evaluation
• Helping states and school districts build capacity to use data and strengthen supports for educators and students
• Conducting a culturally responsive evaluation of federal support to community groups to resolve conflicts and prevent and respond to alleged hate crimes
• Providing technical assistance to federal offices and staff on strategies to ensure that programs, policies, research, and analyses consider the incidence and root causes of disparities and promote equity across the country
• Conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses to determine what works and the effectiveness of interventions, programs, policies, and practices in education, employment, home visiting, and a host of other policy areas

Responsibilities

Analysts typically work on more than one project at a time and are matched to projects that suit their interests and skills and offer opportunities for professional growth. They participate in key project activities, which vary by project and may include:

• Participating in interviews or site visits to assess the implementation and cost of social service programs
• Conducting analysis of qualitative data collected from interviews, site visits, or other data collection efforts
• Assisting with quantitative analyses, including summarizing data quality issues, working with programming staff to clean the data, and helping to define analysis specifications and output formats
• Developing specifications, user manuals, and other documentations for reporting systems and analytic tools
• Providing technical assistance to grantees and state and local agencies to support evaluation and program improvement
• Conducting literature reviews and applying evidence standards to assess study quality
• Drafting client memos, issue briefs, chapters of analytic reports, and proposals for new projects
• Assisting with timeline management, cost-tracking, and budget estimates

Position Requirements:

Requirements for research analysts include the following:

• Master’s degree in public policy, economics, education, social work, a social science, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• Strong analytic skills, including knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative analytic research methods
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to write clear and concise technical memos and documents and accessible stakeholder-facing memos, briefs, and presentation materials
• Ability to complete tasks on tight deadlines without compromising quality
• Ability to support projects with an operational focus and balance competing priorities
• Experience working with a state or federal government, foundation, or policy research organization is highly desirable
• Candidates with relevant practitioner experience in education, workforce development, or social service delivery are encouraged to apply.
• Position may involve up to 25% travel

This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of $70,000-$90,000. We offer flexibility to work remotely or in an office. Available office locations: Princeton, NJ; Washington, DC; Cambridge, MA; Ann Arbor, MI; Oakland, CA; Seattle, WA; Chicago, IL.

A cover letter, resume, and a writing sample that demonstrates analytic and research skills and reflects independent analysis and writing (such as a thesis or position paper) must be submitted at the time of application via our online application system. All candidates who apply by March 31, 2023 will receive full consideration. 

More about Mathematica

Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to improve well-being around the world. We collaborate closely with public- and private-sector partners to translate big questions into deep insights that improve programs, refine strategies, and enhance understanding using data science and analytics. Mathematica offers our employees competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of being 100 percent employee owned. As an employee stock owner, you will experience financial benefits of ESOP holdings that have increased in tandem with the company’s growth and financial strength. You will also be part of an independent, employee-owned firm that is able to define and further our mission, enhance our quality and accountability, and steadily grow our financial strength. Read more about our benefits here: https://www.mathematica.org/career-opportunities/benefits-at-a-glance. 

One of Mathematica’s core values is a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our efforts are more robust because they are informed by a variety of diverse perspectives, and our mission to improve societal well-being is strengthened by a greater understanding of issues and challenges facing the populations we serve. Mathematica’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion is woven into our everyday actions, policies, and practices—including decisions regarding recruitment, training, compensation, and promotion. We are dedicated to maintaining a work environment in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We offer Employee Resources Groups on a variety of topics, local diversity and inclusion activities in each office, and a Diversity council.

We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems and to share the responsibility and enjoyment of carrying out complex projects. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high-quality work. As a winner of the "Excellence in Diversity Award," we know that building an inclusive culture based on the diverse strengths of employees from different backgrounds is key to our success. 

Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo a background investigation or security clearance as a condition of working on the project. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance.

In accordance with Executive Order 14042 and its implementing guidelines, all Mathematica employees must provide documentation that they have been fully vaccinated or obtain an accommodation through Human Resources by providing documentation from a licensed health care provider that they are unable to be vaccinated against COVID-19 because of a disability (which would include medical conditions) or provide an attestation that they are entitled to an accommodation because of a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.

Available locations:  Princeton, NJ; Washington, DC; Cambridge, MA; Ann Arbor, MI; Oakland, CA; Seattle, WA; Chicago, IL; Remote

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.